At a Glance

Discover the magic, myths and modern realities of the Emerald Isle on this comprehensive journey from the dramatic coast and the spectacular Ring of Kerry to the pilgrimage sites of Glencolmcille and the cultural hotbed of Dublin. Scholars and schoolchildren, politicians and musicians offer you “cead mile failte” (a hundred thousand welcomes) and share the best of their country with you.

Activity Level

Keep the Pace

Walking up to two miles per day; some uneven, rocky, and hilly terrain and cobblestones.

Small Group

Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 10 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you'll ...

Delve into the rich archaeology of the Dingle Peninsula, finding prehistoric and medieval remains in one of the most beautiful places on the planet.

Experience the sights, sounds, streets and monuments of James Joyce’s Dublin on foot with a Joycean expert.

Spend a full day on Inis Mor, the largest of the Islands of Aran, where Christian ruins stand side by side with remarkable Pagan relics.

Featured Expert

All Experts

Shane Connolly

A native of the Burren, Shane Connolly has a diploma in archaeology from the National University of Ireland, Galway and a diploma in local and regional studies from University College Cork. He is also qualified with a certificate in agribusiness , a degree in business studies and currently runs a cattle and sheep farm in Corkscrew Hill, Ballyvaughan. An experienced educational excursion leader in the Burren, Shane enjoys good conversation and a laugh. His interests include place names, stone wall construction and folklore.

Shane Connolly

Deirdre Ni Chinneide

Peadar O'Dowd

Tony O'Callaghan

Denis Kissane

Suggested Reading List

View 15 books

A Guide to the Landscape of Ireland

by Frank Mitchell

The Ulysses Guide, Tours through Joyce’s Dublin

by Robert Nicholson

The Peoples of Ireland: From Prehistory to Modern Times

by Liam de Paor and Kevin B Nolan

Ireland : The Emerald Isle and Its People

by Mark Morris and Anthony Cassidy

After the Famine: Irish Agriculture 1850-1914

by Michael Turner

After the Famine examines the recovery in Irish agriculture in the wake of the disastrous potato famine of the 1840s, and presents an annual agricultural output series for Ireland from 1850 to 1914. Michael Turner’s detailed study is in three parts: he analyses the changing structure of agriculture in terms of land use and peasant occupancy; he presents estimates of the annual value of Irish output between 1850 and 1914; and he assesses Irish agricultural performance in terms of several measures of productivity. These analyses are placed in the context of British and European agricultural development, and suggest that, contrary to prevailing orthodoxies, landlords rather than tenants were the main beneficiaries in the period leading up to the land reforms. After the Famine is an important contribution to an extremely controversial area of Irish social and economic history.

Ireland, a Bicycle and a Tin Whistle

by D.Wilson

The Concise History of Ireland

by Sean Duffy

This attractive one-volume survey tells the story of Ireland from earliest times to the present. The text is complemented by 200 illustrations, including maps, photographs and diagrams. Sean Duffy, the general editor of the bestselling Atlas of Irish History , has written a text of exceptional clarity. Duffy stresses the enduring themes of his story: the long cultural continuity; the central importance of Ireland's relationships with Britain and mainland Europe; and the intractability of the ethnic and national divisions in modern Ulster.

Guide to the National and Historical Monuments of Ireland

by P.Harbison

Since its first publication in 1970, this classic Guide has introduced countless thousands to the archaeological riches with which the Irish landscape is endowed. Detailed plans and reference maps, reconstructions and illustrations enliven the text, which describes all the monuments in close detail. A comprehensive introduction places these monuments within the context of Irish history. The author's unparalleled knowledge of, and enthusiasm for, his subject have ensured that this Guide is an indispensable companion for everyone travelling through Ireland who wishes to appreciate the riches of its ancient building heritage.

Ireland 1912-1985

by J.J.Lee

The Irish World: The History and Cultural Achievements of the Irish People

by Brian de Breffny

Modern Ireland 1660-1970

by Roy Foster

A history of Ireland from 1600 to 1972; an account not only of the events themselves but also the way in which those events acted upon the peoples living in Ireland to produce an 'Irish Nation'; a description of that nation's tragedy and resilience.

See Dublin on foot, an architectural walking guide

by Julie Craig

7 days in Dublin. The Ultimate short stay guide

by Shane Kennedy

To School Through the Fields: An Irish Country Childhood

by Alice Taylor

Lyrical reminiscences of growing up Irish, recounted with both wistfulness and wit by a postmistress from Innishannon. Raised on a farm by a quick-tempered father and a cheerfully indulgent mother, Taylor and her six siblings enjoyed a childhood of boundless freedom as the family worked together sowing their fields, nourished themselves with their own crops and livestock, walked miles across verdant hills to and from their two-room schoolhouse, and rode their wagon to Mass in town on Sundays. As befits one whose early years were spent in such close proximity to nature, Taylor's eye is refreshingly unsentimental as she recounts local legends featuring neighbors she knew from birth, including a crone-like skinflint who hoarded her tea cake from hungry callers while allowing the beloved birds in her cottage's thatched roof practically to bring the house down; a bachelor farmer who dressed only in long johns and a long white beard; the dutiful priests who performed Mass in each house in turn, no matter how mean or eccentric its inhabitants; and the schoolteachers who punctuated monotonous sessions of rote memorization with sharp slaps on their pupils' knuckles. Informed with an earthy, childlike sensuality, these stories evoke a time when family life consisted of a procession of joyful celebrations, when neighbors tended to one another's needs as a matter of course, and when nature was a benevolent presence, intimately connected with every soul. A best-seller in Ireland, this slim collection should find a modest niche among country-loving American readers as well. (Kirkus Reviews)

Ireland in the 20th Century

by Tim Pat Coogan

Ireland entered the twentieth century savaged by poverty and memories of the famine but inspired by the Celtic Dawn, a remarkable cultural renaissance led by Yeats, Synge and Lady Gregory. She left it in the era of the Celtic Tiger, with unparalleled prosperity and a new, confident, outward-looking view of herself and the world - although this prosperity and self-confidence is now giving way to uncertainty. In the intervening hundred years, Ireland has experienced more 'history' than almost any other country: beginning under the British crown, she was racked by revolution, the Anglo-Irish war, partition and civil conflict. Led by towering figures such as Michael Collins and De Valera, she has suffered terrible hardships and disputes but has nevertheless provided brilliant cultural and literary examples and is now a country of importance in the wider international community, providing leadership in a variety of moral and development issues. In this readable and authoritative study, Ireland's bestselling popular historian tells the extraordinary story of how contemporary Ireland came into existence. Covering both South and North and dealing with social and cultural history as well as political, this will surely become a definitive single-volume account of the making of modern Ireland.

Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Afternoon: Arrivals continue, with free time for those who have already arrived. Before dinner we will have an Orientation in the hotel. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities and answer any questions you may have. We have set aside some free time in the schedule for your personal independent exploration. Please note that program activities, schedules and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: A seated dinner will be taken in the hotel dining room with coffee, tea and water. Other beverages are available for purchase.

Evening: Free time to unpack, relax and prepare for the program ahead.

DAY

3

The Ring of Kerry

Killarney

B,L

International Hotel

Breakfast: A full Irish breakfast in the hotel dining room. Choices vary but will include a variety of eggs, bacon, sausages, tomato, potatoes, cereals, fruit, toast, pastries and jams served with water, juices, tea and coffee.

Morning: This morning we travel by motor coach with a local expert to explore the Ring of Kerry. The Ring of Kerry is made up of spectacular coastal and mountain scenery, enveloping the towns of Glenbeigh, Cahersiveen, Waterville and Sneem. We’ll stop in Rossbeigh and enjoy a walk along the dramatic sandy beach that provides a safe haven for all kind of marine life and seabirds. It is a designated natural heritage area and a Special Area of Conservation.

Lunch: A served lunch with water, tea and coffee in the charming village of Caherdaniel. Other beverages are available for purchase.

Afternoon: The excursion continues around the Ring of Kerry, through the picturesque village of Sneem. The village comprises two squares, North and South, with a bridge acting as a knot between them.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Evening: Free time. Your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions should you wish to further explore Killarney.

DAY

4

The Dingle Peninsula, Dinner With A Local Family

Killarney

B,D

International Hotel

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We take a motor coach to the Dingle Peninsula, exploring the area’s rich archaeological heritage and unique culture. Once cited as “the most beautiful place on earth” by National Geographic magazine, much of the peninsula is a Gaeltacht – an area where the Irish language is widely spoken at home, in the workplace and at school. Along the way we’ll make a stop in Dingle Town, where you’ll have the opportunity for independent exploration.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like in the colourful fishing port of Dingle.

Afternoon: We’re joined by a local expert to continue our exploration of the Dingle Peninsula, whose Slea Head is the most westerly part of Ireland.

Dinner: Enjoy dinner as guests of a local family in a nearby town. Learn about the rhythm of daily Irish life whilst chatting with your hosts and savouring home-cooked Irish cuisine.

Evening: Free time.

DAY

5

Killarney National Park

Killarney

B,D

International Hotel

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Take a pleasant walk to Killarney National Park, home to magnificent native Oak woods and one of the oldest Yew woods in Europe. Enjoy an expert-led gentle hike through the park, and hope to catch a glimpse of the native Irish Red Deer along the way.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: Free time to further explore Killarney. Your Group Leader will be happy to give you suggestions for activities or sights that may interest you in this charming and bustling town.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: Free time.

DAY

6

Transfer to Galway, The Cliffs of Moher, The Burren

Galway

B,D

Harbour Hotel

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We depart by motor coach for a leisurely journey to Galway.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like in the coastal town of Lahinch.

Afternoon: We take a field trip to the world-famous Cliffs of Moher. We’ll have time to linger by the cliffs, which rise like a cathedral into the sky some 700 feet over the wild Atlantic Ocean. The views stretch as far as Galway Bay and the Aran Islands, and the location is also home to one of the major colonies of cliff-nesting seabirds in Ireland. We then continue onwards to the Burren to meet a local expert, who will lead us through one of the largest karst limestone landscapes in Europe, stopping for a gentle walk on its moon-like terrain.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: Free time.

DAY

7

Galway, Glenlo Abbey

Galway

B,D

Harbour Hotel

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: This morning we visit a local primary school, equivalent to an elementary school in North America. This is an opportunity to meet with the Principal and interact with local school children to answer their questions and learn about school life in Ireland. The children will also treat you to a short display of traditional Irish music, or present a project they are currently working on. Following this we will enjoy an expert-led walk around Galway. We’ll visit Galway Cathedral, the Spanish Arch and part of the original city wall before making our way down the cobbled streets to the tiny fishing enclave of the Claddagh, immortalised in the song “Galway Bay” and home of the traditional jewellery – the Claddagh Ring – a symbol of love, friendship, loyalty and commitment.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: A special experience in historic Glenlo Abbey. Be welcomed by your host, a Galway academic and expert in the field of Anglo-Irish literature, before being led in to dine exclusively in the Abbey. The Abbey dates back to 1740, and was part of the ancestral home of two of the fourteen “Tribes of Galway”, the famed merchant families who dominated the economic and social life of the city at the that time. A sumptuous candlelit dinner will be served while you enjoy conversation on the topics of “The Irish Big House” and “Galway’s Literary Tradition”.

Evening: Free time.

DAY

8

Inis Mor

Galway

B,D

Harbour Hotel

Breakfast: A full Irish breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Travel by boat to spend a full day on Inis Mor, the largest of the islands of Aran. We’ll have time to explore this last remnant of authentic Gaelic civilisation, where Christian ruins stand side by side with remarkable Pagan relics, as well as having an opportunity to meet a local musician. From here you have free time to explore the island independently, on foot, bicycle, mini-van or traditional horse-drawn jaunty car.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: Continue your independent exploration.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: Free time.

DAY

9

Transfer to Killybegs, Sligo, Drumcliffe

Killybegs

B,D

Tara Hotel

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We depart by motor coach for County Donegal. Undoubtedly one of Ireland’s most untouched and ruggedly beautiful counties, County Donegal’s striking landscape has remained relatively unaffected by the passage of time. The Donegal people, too, are renowned for their warmth and hospitality.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like in the town of Sligo.

Afternoon: En-route from Sligo to Donegal, we’ll make a stop at Drumcliffe, the final resting place of famed Irish poet W.B Yeats. Yeats is remembered as an important cultural leader, as a major playwright and as one of the very greatest poets of the century. The epitaph on his gravestone is well known: “Cast a cold eye / On life / On death / Horseman, pass by!”

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: Free time.

DAY

10

Killybegs, Glencolmcille, An Irish Dance

Killybegs

B,D

Tara Hotel

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Spend the morning with a local journalist and community worker. On foot, explore this pretty town, home to the largest fishing fleet in Ireland.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: Experience Glencolmcille, a unique and beautiful place that was chosen as a base by St. Columba, one of Ireland’s three patron saints. The name Glencolmcille, or “Gleann Cholm Cille”, means “The Glen of St. Columba’s Church” in the Irish language. It is not surprising that Glencolmcille is rarely on a standard Irish itinerary – you need to be determined to get there – but due to the stark beauty of its landscape it has been drawing visitors for over 1,500 years. We will also enjoy an expert-led walk to one of the 15 Pilgrimage Stones, retracing the steps of pilgrims from 500AD.

Dinner: Served in a local seafood restaurant, emphasizing the local bounty of the sea.

Evening: Following dinner we will return to the hotel, where you will have the opportunity to meet local musicians and dancers and learn about traditional Irish dance.

DAY

11

Transfer to Dublin, Ulster American Folk Park

Dublin

B,L,D

The Academy Plaza

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We depart County Donegal by motor coach for Dublin, the bustling capital of the Republic of Ireland and your final destination. We’ll pass through County Tyrone, one of the six counties of Northern Ireland as we make our way to the Ulster American Folk Park.

Lunch: Lunch will be served in a restaurant near the Ulster American Folk Park.

Afternoon: The Ulster American Folk Park is an outdoor museum that tells the poignant story of emigration from Ulster to America in the 18th and 19th centuries. Volunteers in period costumes demonstrate day-to-day tasks of the era and the site consists of period housing, industry and even a full-scale sailing ship. We will then continue onwards to Dublin, a settlement since the 8th Century. Dublin is abundant with great universities, cathedrals and theatres and carries with it a unique literary legacy.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: Free time.

DAY

12

Exploring Dublin

Dublin

B,L

The Academy Plaza

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We will set out on foot with a literary scholar to experience the sights, sounds, streets and monuments of James Joyce’s Dublin. Punctuated by readings, stories and bits of history, we will walk in the footsteps of Irish literary giants.

Lunch: Lunch will be served during a theatre performance at one of Dublin's historic buildings.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Evening: Free time.

DAY

13

Georgian House Museum, The National Museum of Ireland

Dublin

B

The Academy Plaza

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Set out on foot and experience the fascinating “Number 29” Georgian House Museum, where the widow of a prominent Dublin wine merchant originally set up home in 1794. The museum allows you to travel back in time and experience what life was like for the fortunate few who lived in such elegant townhouses, and the less fortunate who worked for them.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: Continuing our walk, we will pass the Irish Parliament and visit the National Museum of Ireland, where we will enjoy a privately guided exploration of their renowned collection of Bronze Age gold work.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Evening: Free time.

DAY

14

At Leisure in Dublin

Dublin

B,D

The Academy Plaza

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Experience all of the variety that Dublin has to offer during a day of free time in Ireland’s capital and most populous city. You could take a field trip to the Hill of Tara and the megalithic tomb of Newgrange, or visit Glendalough in beautiful County Wicklow. Alternatively you could relax, sip a coffee and gossip with the locals as you sample some of Dublin’s famed café culture.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: Enjoy more free time to continue your exploration of Dublin. Browse the many bookstores, explore the museums, or even try to genealogy research at the National Library of Ireland.

Dinner: A served Farewell Dinner at a local eatery in Dublin city centre. Spend your last evening in Dublin enjoying traditional Irish food and relaxed banter as you bid farewell to Ireland and your new found friends.

Evening: Free time.

DAY

15

Program Concludes

In Flight

B

Breakfast: In the hotel. Some participants may depart prior to breakfast, whereupon a boxed breakfast will be provided.

Morning: Transfer to Dublin Airport (DUB) for onward flights. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Meals

26 Meals

13 Breakfasts

3 Lunches

10 Dinners

The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Low Fat, Vegetarian, Low Salt, Gluten Free

Lodging

Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.

I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to the West coast of Ireland and Dublin! Our group was great and happily interacted with each other, the guides and bus drivers. Emer, our superb tour coordinator, was a most delightful young woman, who was quickly incorporated into the group. The sights along the coastline were so outstanding, we didn't mind the daily, occasional rain shower after a while. We learned everone carries an umbrella and keeps a Macintosh handy. Learning about the history and culture of a country has never been so much fun for me. Great program! Joan

Great program. You will see a gorgeous, breath-taking, interesting scenery, meet some great, friendly people, and learn some very interesting history as well as visiting one of Europe's great old cities.

Excellent itinerary, with most of the time spent on the spectacularly beautiful west coast of Ireland -- but enough time also allocated for Dublin. I learned a lot about different aspects of Ireland -- history; topography; wildlife; folklore; history; politics; literature; you name it. Our guide, John O'Shea was helpful, funny, and full of blarney! Our group of 22 also proved very compatible -- but I guess that's to be expected on Road Scholar trips! The one disappointment was a poorly done dinner with a local family in Killarney where we were paired with various local families. Was much more formal and less conversation that I expected -- hopefully this will be improved, as many in our group found it didn't match up with our expectations. But this one negative shouldn't obscure that many, many positives of this trip. Overall, definitely a trip worth taking.

The Best of Ireland program offered by Road Scholar is a great mix of urban Irish life starting in the small town of Killarney and finishing in the larger urban setting of Dublin between which is a week of travel up through the lush and immensely beautiful West Coast of Ireland all the way from the Iveragh and Dingle Peninsulas up through Galway and the Cliffs of Moher and the Island of Inis Mor to County Donegal and remote Glencolmcille. Literary scholars and historians as well as geologists and botanists will be pleased with the local guides who provide in-depth knowledge and a uniquely Irish entertainment of speech.

Excellent trip to Ireland. Lovely scenery, a well-informed guide and coordinator. All of the guides provided good insight and information about the stops on our itinerary. We had a great group of participants who were all friendly and compatible. Our weather was great most of the time and we had excellent meals.

The trip was amazing. We can't say enough great things about the whole trip. Working with Roads Scholar before we left was wonderful. Every day on the trip was better than the day before. Impossible I know. We'd do it again.

If you enjoy learning a great deal about Ireland, this is the program for you. We met wonderful people in our group and wonderful people in Ireland. Two highlights were an evening home visit with a host family and a visit to a boy's school where we entertained with music and learned about Ireland's educational syste.

This trip was a dream come true. The itinerary was not overly ambitious and the free time built in to the schedule was much appreciated for shopping or visiting points of interest not included in the tour. The size of the group was very manageable and the Group Leader, plus his Mentee, were delightful. The educational opportunities provided by the local experts, performers, guides, etc. were top-notch and were what made the trip so memorable. I had been researching a trip to Ireland and had found one that I thought I would take, until I visited with friends who had just returned from a RS trip to Cuba and had been very satisfied with the experience. So, I browsed through the catalog, found this trip (West Coast, Countryside and Dublin) and booked it for less money and more days than the other trip I had been considering. Thank you, Road Scholar, for providing a wonderful, economical travel experience. (I am already looking at a possible RS trip to Churchill, Manitoba, to see the polar bears!)

This excursion provides a balanced blend of organized touring and "free time" to experience the wonderful environment, culture and history of Ireland from its west coast to Dublin. The coastal walks and views were extraordinary. The experiences shared with your new traveling Group friends or discussions with the local Irish at the pubs are memorable. This wonderful taste of Ireland will make one want to return.

The breadth and depth of this adventure--from spectacular countryside, to person-to-person encounters with Irish citizens, to city explorations, to knowledgeable instructors--make this an outstanding Road Scholar experience. Whether this might be your first trip to Ireland, or you've visited this country before, this is an excellent adventure!

This Road Scholar tour truly showcased the beauty, history, and people of Ireland. Our group of 24 stayed in comfortable hotels and had most meals provided with many choices. Fresh fish options were abundant.
The coast included beautiful drives along the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula. We were blessed with sunshine every day until our arrival in Dublin. Other highlights of the coast included the stunning Cliffs of Moher and a day at Inis Mor.
The green countryside included so much beauty of small farms and fields with sheep and cows.
Meeting the locals added more learning experiences. Listening to a local Celtic singer at Inis Mor, having dinner with a family in Killarney, watching and meeting young Irish dancers, listening to readings of poetry during a dinner at Glenco Abbey, and learning to play a pipe flute with a local music teacher made this much more than just the typical sightseeing trip.
The schedule allows for some personal time. I chose on the last day in Dublin, a completely free day, to take a train to Belfast to spend the afternoon with a friend.
I highly recommend this program for its variety, value, well-designed itinerary, and inclusion of sometimes missed places and people in Ireland.

Road Scholar has put together the perfect Ireland adventure. The presenters were ALL fantastic as was the itinerary. Because of what we learned and experienced, to us, it was worth way more than what we paid! Do yourself a favor, don't "do Ireland" on your own, you will be missing the real "heart" of the country if you do.

So glad we chose to take The Best of Ireland trip! A great opportunity to experience a variety of beautifully scenic landscapes, small towns, and cities without the stress of driving and navigating. Educational activities were well planned and executed. Local tour guides and bus drivers at each site enriched the experience. Lodgings were comfortable and meals were tasty. Our program manager Andrew was super!

Anyone who has ever wanted to go to Ireland can not miss this program! The education, cultural experience, group leaders, places chosen to visit, planning and attention to detail will make this a memorable and enjoyable trip! Best of the Best! A+

My Road Scholar experience was wonderful! From start to finish the trip was easy to schedule and complete. Everyone that I spoke with was very helpful. I enjoyed everything very much. The beauty of Ireland was overwhelming....I am so glad that I participated in a Road Scholar adventure!

Road Scholar far exceeded my expectations for a wondrous tour of the Best of Ireland. We were overwhelmed by the raw and wild beauty of the western coast. All expert guides were excellent at communicating in an entertaining way the rich history of Ireland. Our Tour Group Leader (Andrew Gavin)had innate talents for navigating the daily routine and informing and entertaining us en route. The result is a 100+ percent successful tour result. Vini, vidi, ami (I loved it).

The Best of Ireland was a great trip! Even better than it sounded in the brochure. Tour guide Brian was perfect. Fellow travelers were congenial. Educational events/tours/lectures were well planned and led by excellent local people well versed in their fields. The private expert-led tour of bronze-age gold treasures in the National Museum was one of the highlights of the trip - and my life. I was a solo participant and was very well looked after. Thank you, Road Scholar! George Carnahan

I loved this tour and our guide, Alan, was fabulous. We are returning home with a much deeper understanding of the Irish history and culture and with amazing photographs of the outstanding beauty of Ireland. I am so glad we choose this tour with its emphasis on the West Coast of Ireland. I believe it is the most beautiful seascapes in the world.

This trip is a must for natural wonder lovers and those who wish to be immersed in a wonderful culture. To a person all those we interacted with were warm, welcome, and wonderfully humored! We learned much about the Irish and their amazing country!

The Ireland tour far exceeded my expectations. Road Scholar took care of everything they promised in their brochure. Eating our way through the Irish countryside, seeing magnificent panoramic views and best of all, meeting warm and welcoming locals. The folklore and history never got old......there was something to see and do for everyone. I was paired up with an artist and his family for dinner. As an artist, I appreciated the effort to place me in his lovely home!

If you are interested in learning about the culture and history of Ireland and want to experience breathtaking scenery, warm and friendly people, then this is most definitely the program for you. We absolutely loved it.

My husband, brother and sister and I just returned from a fabulous Roads Scholar trip to Ireland. We spent 2 weeks traveling around Ireland and visiting interesting and beautiful areas. We learned so much about Ireland and its people and experienced all the beauty and charm that island can offer. I highly recommend this trip. It surpassed all of our expectations.

Road Scholar out performed my expectations! All aspects were carefully managed with efficiency and respect. Our leader Kate Mitchell was FANTASTIC! We loved her full of life enthusiasm and wit! I plan to use Road Scholar again next year!! Lydia Bush - Florida

It was like going on a field trip every day with experts in areas ranging from the arts to science to history. Being able to stay in one city for more than a few days gave me good insights into the area. Our group leader, Laura, was fabulous!

We had a wonderful time on the Best of Ireland Program! It was well organized, a great learning experience, and an opportunity to see much of Ireland without the hassles of driving, worrying about accommodations, or carrying our bags from place to place. We highly recommend it!

Ireland is a relatively small country so you can see a great deal of it in two weeks. It is also spectacularly beautiful in many areas which adds excitement and pleasure. But most of all, this trip to Ireland is about wonderful, quirky, and hospitable people who are proud to share their history and culture. We loved it!!

My husband and I LOVED this trip. In two weeks, we learned so much about Irish culture, both rural and urban, including their language, music, sports, history, geography, and more! If you are of Irish ancestry, be sure to visit the genealogy department of the National Library in Dublin. Experts will guide you through their many databases. No appointment necessary! Do this when you are free for the afternoon. Bring your ancestors' names, birth dates, whatever you can to help with the process. This trip was both a mystical and magical experience for me. Our Irish guide, Laura Daly, and all our experts were fantastic! A beautiful country, a beautiful people!

Our first Road Scholar trip was just as informative and enjoyable as my friends had said. The Irish countryside was beautiful, and 2 weeks were filled with information from local guides. Both the participants and guides were delightful, and my life was enriched by learning about the history and friendliness of the Irish people first-hand.

This program not only provided educational material but also beautiful scenery and a true picture of the Irish hospitality and warmth. I learned so much about Irish history and was totally reenergized on my return. I would definitely recommend this program.

Our trip was a delight in every way. Education was woven into the daily activities in such a way that we learned so much but never felt that we were being 'educated'. The itinerary was a perfect balance between tours and free time. Hotels were top notch, always ready for us and the meals were wonderful. Special shout out to our delightful guide, Alan Ralph, and the other 22 travelers who all contributed to making every day an adventure and a joy!

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip; even though this was early in the season we had wonderful weather, made new friends and overall would highly recommend this program. This was our first Road Scholar trip but will not be our last.

We had a wonderful time on our trip. The weather cooperated better than might be expected but we still were happy to have rain gear and scarves and fleece. We enjoyed the places, the food and the instructors and our fellow travelers. We especially appreciated our guide Alan Ralph. We learned a lot about the Irish experience and people. It was our first Road Scholar Trip and it will not be the last.

If you stay in Ballyshannon (instead of Killybegs), I recommend using your free night to visit the Thatch Pub up the street from the hotel. Classic Irish pub, very friendly, and if you are as lucky as I was you will enjoy music, stories, jokes, and dancing, but most of all, you will enjoy the company of Irish men and women. Then on the next night when the whole group goes there, you will be heartily welcomed back.

The best of Ireland - how would I know? We visited mostly the west coast and were enthralled by its beauty, magnificent ruggedness and the genuine friendliness of its people. We learned so much from our instructors, taxi drivers train ride neighbors, pub staff and our guides. The beer, the whisky and the glorious seafood we sampled is possibly reason enough to revisit the beautiful island. We were especially fortunate with the weather and feel we have truly visited one of the most remarkable quietly brilliant wonders of this earth.

My trip ran beautifully, had the perfect guide, Maeve Henry, and a very congenial group. Nonetheless, I would recommend coming with a partner, friend, or group of friends if possible, rather than alone. I like it that we had plenty of timeon our own, but it could be lonely.
I am someone in my group will send a photo of me reading on Yeat'S tomb at Drumclif.

Be prepared for rain! The tour was enjoyable and a good learning experience. Some reorganization of the Dublin days is called for, including an initial tour of the city so the participants can get an overall feel for the city.